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The Commonwealth

I-64 Bridge Repair: 135 work days, $14 million

By KPA News Content Service

Louisville Public Media

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels Tuesday announced the award of a $13.9 million contract to Louisville-based Hall Contracting of Kentucky for expedited repairs of the Sherman Minton Bridge. As part of its bid, Hall Contracting committed to completing the repairs necessary to reopen the bridge in 135 work days.

On Sept. 9, Daniels ordered closure of the Interstate 64 bridge over the Ohio River between New Albany and Louisville after maintenance workers discovered a crack in a critical load-carrying element of the bridge. Additional bridge testing revealed other weld defects at numerous locations, which confirmed that closing the bridge was the appropriate decision for public safety.

The contract awarded Tuesday will attach 2.4 million pounds of reinforcing steel plating along both sides of the bridge ties, which run horizontally along the upstream and downstream sides of the 1,600-foot structure. The repairs will increase the bridge’s safety and reliability, and with regular maintenance, extend its useful life at least 20 years, according to a press release.

An incentive of $100,000 will be offered for each day the winning contractor safely reopens the bridge earlier than the 135 work days in its bid. The incentive is capped at $5 million or 50 days. Contractor payments will be reduced by a similar $100,000 for each day the bridge remains closed beyond 135 work days.